R18.9-m revamp of Thoko Mngoma Clinic is on track

08 May 2017

 

The refurbishment and extension of the Thoko Mngoma Clinic in Marlboro, just outside Alexandra in the City of Johannesburg’s Region E, is nearing completion.

 

Despite several major setbacks, work on the R18.9-million project is on track to be completed by 31 July 2017 as had been originally envisaged by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the City’s infrastructure development entity managing and overseeing the project.

 

The revamp of the existing clinic and the construction of a new wing to accommodate additional consulting rooms as well as the development of medical waste disposal areas, a basement parking lot and a reception area, commenced in March 2016.

 

But due to poor work performance by the initial contractor, coupled with several work stoppages, construction was halted until a new company was appointed in March 2017.

 

“Work has progressed rapidly since the appointment of the new contractor,” said JDA’s Executive Manager: Development Implementation, Siyabonga Genu.

 

“Local labourers and SMMEs are benefiting from the construction. They are also gaining skills and experience that they will use in future.”

 

Of the R18.9-million budgeted for the project, about R4.4-million was set aside for SMMEs to carry out landscaping, paving, formwork, plumbing and electrical work, amongst other trades.

 

Genu said in the long term additional staff would be employed on a full time basis to serve the now much larger clinic. He said the R6-million lost as a result of delays was recovered from the previous contractor.

 

One of four primary healthcare facilities servicing the Greater Alexandra area, the Thoko Mngoma Clinic, situated in Ward 109, offers services including HIV and TB related treatment and counselling, ante-retroviral treatment, male circumcision and mental health treatment.

 

Ward 109 Councillor Werner Smit said he was highly impressed with the amount of work that had been done by the new contractor in the short time that he had been on site.

 

“It’s truly remarkable what the new contractor has been able to do. Delivering this clinic to the community is within reach,” Smit said.